2024-04-15 22:25:44
Peshawar: A historic Hindu temple near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been demolished and construction of a commercial complex has begun at the site, which was closed since 1947 when its original inhabitants migrated to India. The ‘Khyber Temple’ was located in the border town of Landi Kotal Bazar in Khyber district, but it was gradually disappearing over the years. Construction at this location started about 10-15 days ago. Officials in various administrative departments either denied knowledge of the existence of the Hindu temple or claimed that the construction was taking place as per rules. Ibrahim Shinwari, a prominent tribal journalist and resident of Landi Kotal, claimed that a structure was constructed in the main Landi Kotal market. It was a historical temple. He said, ‘The temple was located in the center of Landi Kotal market, which was closed in 1947 after the local Hindu families migrated to India. ‘After the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India in 1992, it was partially damaged by some clerics and madrassas.’ Recalling his childhood, Ibrahim said that he heard many stories about this temple from his ancestors.
the temple existed
He said, ‘There is no doubt that there was a religious place named ‘Khyber Temple’ in Landi Kotal.’ Haroon Sarbadial of Pakistan Hindu Temple Management Committee stressed that it is the responsibility of the district administration and concerned government departments to ensure the protection and rehabilitation of historical buildings of religious importance to non-Muslims. “The Department of Archeology and Museums, Police, Culture Department and the local government are bound by the Antiquities Act of 2016 to protect such sites, including places of worship,” he said.
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Patwari has no information
Meanwhile, Dawn newspaper quoted Landi Kotal Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Irshad as saying that there is no mention of the temple in the official land records of Khyber Tribal District. He expressed ignorance about the demolition of the temple. He said, ‘The entire land in Landi Kotal Bazaar belonged to the state.’ Patwari of Landi Kotal, Jamal Afridi, claimed that he was not aware of the construction activity at the temple site. Sarabdiyal suggested that places which are either not in use by minorities or are dilapidated can be used for social welfare activities instead of being demolished.